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Terms

Terms of Use

Effective April 21, 2026
Version 1.0
These terms govern your use of horizonsearch.org and the research tools and publications made available by the Horizon Search Institute. By accessing or using these services, you agree to these terms. If you do not agree, please do not use our services.

1. About HSI

Horizon Search Institute (“HSI”) is an independent research initiative operating under 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsorship through Fiscal Sponsorship Allies (EIN 85-0839183). These terms apply to horizonsearch.org and to research tools including the HSI Navigator.

2. Use of Our Services

You may use HSI’s services for their intended purpose: accessing research publications, completing governance assessments, and engaging with HSI’s work. You agree not to:

3. Intellectual Property

The content on horizonsearch.org, including research publications, methodology frameworks, writing, images, and the visual identity of the Institute, is the property of Horizon Search Institute and is protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws.

You may quote from HSI’s published research with attribution (author, title, Horizon Search Institute, date). Reproduction of substantial portions of HSI publications, or republication of HSI research in derivative works, requires written permission. Contact research@horizonsearch.org for permissions inquiries.

The HSI Navigator methodology is published openly and may be referenced for research and educational purposes. Commercial use of the methodology, including incorporating it into paid products or advisory services, requires written permission.

You retain rights to the information you submit through our tools (for example, your responses in the HSI Navigator). By submitting information, you grant HSI a non-exclusive license to use that information for the purposes described in our Privacy Policy.

4. Research Tools Are Not Professional Advice

HSI’s research, publications, and tools are educational and analytical in nature. They do not constitute legal, compliance, financial, medical, or other professional advice. The HSI Navigator produces an analytical diagnostic based on self-reported inputs; it does not verify user responses, measure actual regulatory compliance, or replace professional judgment.

Users remain responsible for decisions made in connection with their organizations. We encourage users to consult qualified professionals when acting on findings from any HSI research tool.

5. Third-Party Links and Services

HSI’s site may link to third-party websites, services, or organizations. We are not responsible for the content, privacy practices, or actions of third parties. Following a link to a third-party site takes you outside HSI’s services, and those sites are governed by their own terms.

HSI maintains a strict organizational separation from Horizon Search Inc., an independent commercial advisory firm founded by the same individual who founded HSI. References to Horizon Search Inc. on HSI’s website are informational. HSI does not receive commissions or referral fees from Horizon Search Inc. or any other third party.

6. Research Independence

HSI’s research, publications, and tools are produced under an editorial-independence policy. Patrons, funders, fiscal sponsors, advisors, and council members may support HSI’s mission and inform its research agenda but do not direct research conclusions, review work prior to publication, or hold editorial veto. The Executive Director holds final publication authority for all HSI research output. HSI publishes a list of contributions at or above its disclosure threshold in its annual outlook.

7. Disclaimer of Warranties

Our services are provided “as is” and “as available.” HSI makes no warranties, express or implied, about the accuracy, reliability, completeness, or availability of the services or their content. We do not warrant that the services will be uninterrupted, error-free, or free of harmful components.

8. Limitation of Liability

To the extent permitted by law, HSI and its officers, directors, employees, contributors, and fiscal sponsor will not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from your use of our services, including but not limited to damages for loss of profits, data, or business interruption, even if we have been advised of the possibility of such damages.

HSI’s total aggregate liability for any claim arising from these terms or your use of our services is limited to one hundred United States dollars (US$100).

9. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless HSI, its officers, directors, employees, contributors, and fiscal sponsor from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from your violation of these terms, your misuse of our services, or your violation of any law or third-party rights.

10. Termination

We may suspend or terminate access to our services for any user who violates these terms. You may stop using our services at any time. Provisions concerning intellectual property, disclaimers, limitation of liability, and indemnification survive termination.

11. Governing Law

These terms are governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its conflict-of-law principles. Any dispute arising from these terms or your use of our services will be resolved in the state or federal courts of Delaware.

12. Changes to These Terms

We may update these terms as our practices evolve or as required by law. The “Effective” date at the top of this page reflects the current version. Material changes will be announced on this page. Continued use of HSI services after an update constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.

13. Contact

For questions about these terms, contact research@horizonsearch.org or see our contact page.

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